Drone knowledge
Legal provisions
Up to what distance is a drone within sight?
It depends: on the drone, the weather conditions, the lighting conditions, etc. The pilot must be able to recognise the drone and its…
Data protection for drone footage
If people are recognisable in an aerial image, two separate rights apply: the right to one’s own image (§ 22 KUG) and the General Data…
Which drones require a drone licence?
Due to the transition period in the new EU drone law, it depends on whether an existing drone or an EU-certified drone is being flown.…
Are there fines for operating drones without a drone licence?
If you act contrary to the legal provisions of the Air Traffic Regulations, the Air Traffic Act or the EU drone regulations, it is…
Does the EU drone licence have to be carried at all times?
The EU drone licence must be presented to representatives of the competent authorities on request. It is therefore mandatory to carry this…
Do I need to keep a flight log?
There is no obligation in the open category. You may fly without writing anything down.
The situation is different in the specific…
Are photographs of buildings, squares and parks permitted?
Photos of all kinds are permitted for private use without publication as long as no laws are violated, for example by disregarding…
When is proof of knowledge sufficient for model aircraft pilots?
If you intend to use a drone weighing over 2 kg exclusively for private purposes , then at least a certificate of proficiency in accordance…
When and how must a sticker be attached to drones?
Since the introduction of the EU Drone Regulation in January 2021, drones must be labelled with the operator registration number. However,…
What should I bear in mind for take-off and landing sites?
In order to take off or land with a drone, permission must be obtained from the landowner or an authorised person. This is often…
What is the drone driving licence?
The drone pilot licence serves as proof to third parties, including authorities, that you have sufficient knowledge in handling drones.…
What is the EU Drone Regulation?
The EU Drone Regulation regulates where and under what conditions a drone may be flown.The Drone Regulation came into force in January…
What is a general ruling?
Operating bans for unmanned aerial systems and model aircraft were defined in the Air Traffic Regulations. However, there are exceptions to…
What is SORA?
SORA (Specific Operational Risk Assessment) is a Europe-wide procedure for analysing the risks associated with the use of unmanned aerial…
What happens during an inspection by the police or an authority?
Inspections are more common than many people expect – usually following a report from a neighbour. As a rule, the matter is settled within…
What is NfL (news for pilots)?
Nachrichten für Luftfahrer, NfL for short, is the official gazette for aviation in Germany. They are published by Deutsche Flugsicherung…
What is the difference between VLOS, EVLOS and BVLOS?
VLOS denotes flight within the visual line of sight of the pilot (= Visual Line Of Sight).
EVLOS designates flight within the visual range…
What are the consequences if a drone is not labelled?
If a drone weighs more than 250 g and has a camera, the operator of this drone is obliged to register with the Federal Aviation Office.…
Who is the operator, who is the remote pilot – and who is liable for what?
EU drone law distinguishes between two roles that are often performed by the same person in everyday practice – but are not the same from a…
How do I apply for a control clearance for drones (e.g. within 1.5 km of airports)?
Deutsche Flusicherung GmbH (DFS) provides an online form for this purpose: To the form. Enter your data there and submit the application.…
How many people form a crowd?
"A gathering of people is a spatially united multitude of people, i.e. a majority of people so large that their number is not immediately…
Will non-compliance with operating bans for drones be penalised with fines?
Disregarding operating prohibitions, such as flying into flight control zones, constitutes an administrative offence in accordance with…
Where are drones allowed to fly and where not?
As the pilot of an "unmanned aerial system", you take part in air traffic and must comply with the applicable regulations. In Germany,…
Where can I obtain an EU drone licence?
Both the small EU drone pilot licence (A1/A3 certificate of competence) and the large EU drone pilot licence (A2 remote pilot certificate)…